Open Authority is a phrase that's everywhere in museum blogs, tweets, and conferences these days. What exactly does it mean? At the recent Museum Computer Network (MCN) conference in Montreal, Ed Rodley and a panel explored this question in Defining Open Authority in the Museum, proposing that developments in the realm of accessibility have dovetailed...
I so appreciate Gretchen Jennings' reflections on open authority, where she dives deeper into the role of museums as conveners of community and conversation after "life happens."
And her suggestion for how to more purposefully address the demands of open authority?...
We in this profession are used to being considered and careful in rolling out any initiative. But as our world moves more and more quickly, we should shape our internal systems so that when our community needs us we can be there—the forethought and consideration having already been done through advance planning and systems in place.
The examples in this blog post reminded me of why we're doing what we're doing. Sometimes I fall into just looking to that next publication or conference as a way to move an idea forward, forgetting what's at the heart of the idea. But what's at the heart of the idea, I'm being reminded often, really matters.
When things get stressful in my office we often try to put things in perspective by saying, "We're not saving babies here, people." But then I have a moment like tonight when I really think about what's at the heart of our idea: re-establishing the museum as a safe haven for open conversations, for sharing, and for building our communities. Add to that all of the brilliant minds that I have by my side, all working together to scream from the rooftops, "open UP, museums!" and it hits me--we are making a difference. And we're so lucky to be able to say that.
